Mark Stephenson

Visual artist and designer

Hi there!

The work I create is grounded in my local environment and the people I've had the pleasure to spend time with.

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Welcome, I'm Mark, a Canadian contemporary, representational artist creating works that reflect my local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For me, it's the birds that have caught my attention and imagination. As I observe them, I get drawn into their world, see their personality, what makes each and every one unique and a story develops. I approach each work as I would a portrait painting, a journey to find the character and likeness while including my own thoughts on their stories in the process. I hope you enjoy the birds of my neighbourhood.

My work centres around experience, either one I've experienced or an experience I'm creating. The personal connection a person, a location, or an bird brings me joy as I create in and out of the studio.

Drawings and paintings of birds begins close to home. I go for regular walks at Beaver Pond in Kanata, often with my camera, photographing, listening and spending time with the birds I see along the way. Inspiring me to create new works.

Projects are often where my professional background in design blends into my artistic practice.  I'm out to shape thoughts, create an experience and explore my own limitations. Projects have included interactive electronic art, painting social media portraits, monocles, and live painting; all cumulating in shared experiences.

A lose, colorful self portrait of the artist with a graphic background.

A self portrait created during a time self reflection and healing.

Windows of opportunity (self portrait) by Mark Stephenson, oil on canvas, 2015

Artists Statemenet

Mark Stephenson is Canadian contemporary representational artist creating works that reflect his local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For Mark, it's the birds that have caught his attention, drawing him into their world. Approaching each work as he would a portrait; Mark embarks on a journey discover the stories of the birds of his neighbourhood.

Daytime

During the day I'm the Chief Designer at Pagecloud, an tech startup in Ottawa that is out to revolutionize the way we create web sites (like this one). If you haven't used the Pagecloud website builder, you should!

Visit my LinkedIn for more about my design work.

Community

It's important to give back to your community, I focus my volunteer efforts towards creating a prosperous environment for arts and culture in Ottawa.

Figureworks, Past President

Figureworks is an international annual juried art prize and celebration of the art of the human form held in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Our mission at Figureworks is to cultivate and exhibit art of the human form. Visit Figureworks

Kanata Art Club, Life drawing studio coordinator

I coordinate the booking of models, life drawing sessions along with studio setup.

Galleries

Kanata Civic Art Gallery

As of 2024 I've become a member of the Kanata Civic Art Gallery and occasionally have work on display.

2500 Campeau Dr.Kanata, Ontario, Canada

Memberships

Kanata Civic Art Gallery

Arts Ottawa

Canadian Society of Artists - Associate

Exhibition history

Juried & Curated

2025:

Ontario Society of Artists Annual Juried Exhibition

 

2018:

Ottawa Art Gallery – Part and Parcel

Figureworks Finalists Alumi Popup – Wallack Galleries

Arts Network Ottawa - Selections 2018

CSArt Group Show at Art House

Ottawa Art Gallery – Annex Gallery

All Hands on Deck at Beyond the Pale Brewing  

2017:

CSArt M Installation + Solo show    

Foyer Gallery (Artist-run gallery, juried)    

Social Portraits at City of Ottawa Trinity Gallery

 

2016:    

Figureworks (juried by Tom Campbell, Stephen Frew and Katherine McNenly)

AOE Selections (juried)

Artwork at Ottawa Art Gallery Rental & Sales (juried)

EBA (Enriched Bread Artists) Open Studio group show

CSArt Ottawa 2016/17 Season Visual Artist (curated by Megan Monafu and CSArt board, paid fees)

Firefly, Maker Fair Ottawa

AOE Artinis‍ showcased artist (live painting)

Pop-up gallery and live painting Social Portraits, Art School Fair    

Hit and Run, La Petit Mort

Live Painting, Hintonburg Happening

 

2015:

Patrick Gordon Group Show (curated by Patrick Gordon)

Figureworks (juried by Katherine McNenly, Shahla Bahrami and Joël A. Prévost)

Chinatown Remixed - Social Portraits

EROS, Arbor Gallery (curated by John Olsthoorn)

Firefly, Maker Fair Ottawa

 

2014:

AOE Selections - Jury Choice Award for oil portrait ‘Pondering’ (juried)

Figureworks (juried by Kristy Gordon, Andrew Morrow and Mat Dubé)

The List installation, Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau (curated by Megan Smith)

Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau HipsterMonocle (curated by Megan Smith)

Live painting, Hintonburg Happening After Party

 

2013:    

Figureworks (juried by Brian Smith, Rosemary Breault-Landry and Pamela Cockcroft-Laserre)  

Firefly Installation, Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau (curated by Megan Smith)    

HipsterMonocle, Creative Cities Summit in Ottawa (curated by ArtEngine)

Winner of the 2013 Art Battle Ottawa Championship & participation in nationals at the AGO

Fundraisers

2023: All Hands on Deck

2022: OAC Luck

2018: OAC Luck

2018: All Hands on Deck

2017: OAC Luck

2016: OAC Luck

2015: OAC Luck, SAW Gallery Sketch, SweetHeARTs - Fundraiser for Carleton University AHGSS

2014: SAW Gallery Sketch

2013: OAC Luck

Grants and other

2017: Articipate Grant for Social Potraits Exhibition at the Trinity Gallery

2016: Crowdfunding campaign (~10K) to help support the Social Portraits series    

2016: CSArt Grant for 2016-17 Season

2014: OAC (Ontario Arts Council) Emerging Media Arts Grant (10K) for Firefly V2

2013: Awesome Ottawa Grant (1K)

 

Published:

Illusion Magazine (online) Fine Art Nude Photography and Painting on ello    

CTV Morning Interview (http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=830754)    

Variety of articles in Ottawa Citizen, Metro and Apt 613 related to Social Portraits    

Artist Spotlight on Faison-ici (http://faisons-ici.ca/tagged/Mark-B-Stephenson)

Strokes of Genius 8: Expressive Texture Book (juried competition, book published by Artists Network)

Ottawa Arts Review Magazine - Drawing ‘a dash of red’ on front cover

Your questions answered

  • Where are you located?

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    I'm located in an Ottawa community called Kanata in Canada near a park called Beaver Pond where I see many of the birds that I draw and paint.

  • Are your original bird paintings for sale?

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    Yes. Any piece labelled “Available” can be purchased directly from me. Click the Inquire button beneath the artwork or email me and I’ll confirm price and shipping.

  • Do you offer prints or greeting cards?

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    I do not have limited-edition giclée prints at this time. Greeting cards are released a each year, you can often find some at the Kanata Civic Art Gallery. Join my newsletter for first access.

  • Can I commission a custom painting of a bird (or a portrait)?

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    Absolutely. I accept a handful of commissions each season. We’ll discuss subject, size, budget and timeline; a typical oil painting takes 8–12 weeks from booking to delivery.

  • Do you ship internationally?

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    Yes. Paintings are professionally packed and shipped insured via Canada Post / FedEx. Buyers are responsible for shipping costs and any customs duties.

  • Can I pick up artwork locally in Ottawa?

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    Local collectors can schedule a studio pickup in Kanata.

  • What materials do you use?

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    I use professional grade paints and materials. Most works are oil on canvas or cradled wood panel, finished with a museum-grade varnish for longevity.

  • Where do you find your bird subjects?

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    All birds are ones I’ve photographed on walks around Beaver Pond and other Ottawa greenspaces before translating them into paint in the studio.

  • Can I visit your studio?

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    Studio visits are welcome by appointment; contact me to arrange a time.

  • Do you teach workshops or give artist talks?

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    I do not teach workshops. I am however available to give artist talks.

  • May I use your images in print or online?

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    Personal sharing is fine with credit. Commercial or editorial use requires written permission and a licensing fee.

  • What is the price range of your originals?

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    Recent oil paintings range from CAD $1200 for a smaller size to CAD $4500 for larger works. Please contact me for exact pricing and inquiries.

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